How old does a student have to be to enter the School to Work Program?
My child is not intellectually disabled. Can he still participate in the School to Work Program?
How do I sign up for the School to Work Program?
Does the family or staff have to transport the student to the program?
Will my child lose his SSI if he participates in the School to Work Program?
How many days per week can a student attend the program?
What will the student do after he graduates?
Can the student attend BCRC as well as Beaver County Area Vocational Technical School?
Where does the funding come from for the student to attend the School to Work Program?
What if I’m not sure if a student is appropriate for the program?
Do the students attend BCRC during the summer?

1. How old does a student have to be to enter the School to Work Program?

The student needs to be at least 16 years old to begin the program and can participate until the age of 21 provided they are still enrolled in school. A work permit is required for those under the age of 18.

2. My child is not intellectually disabled. Can he still participate in the School to Work Program?

Yes, BCRC’s School to Work Program services students with a wide variety of diagnosis and educational levels. The program is tailored to the student’s abilities, needs and interests.

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3. How do I sign up for the School to Work Program?

A parent should contact the student’s school district and let them know they are interested in the program. Once the service is approved the parent and student tour the facility and complete intake paperwork.

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4. Does the family or staff have to transport the student to the program?

No. The student’s school district will provide transportation to and from BCRC.

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5. Will my child lose his SSI if he participates in the School to Work Program?

The students do earn money for working on contract in the work facility or at one of our community enclaves. Since the student typically attends BCRC only part of the week and is involved with other activities, not enough is earned to affect SSI. All earnings still need to be reported though. The Social Security office should be contacted for specific questions.

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6. How many days per week can a student attend the program?

The student’s scheduled is determined by the IEP team. A Program Specialist from BCRC will gladly participate in this process. Considerations such as the student’s age, intended year of graduation, academic progress, and other school activities need to be taken into consideration. The student’s interest and family’s desire are also important. Students’ schedules vary from one half day to five full days per week.

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7. What will the student do after he graduates?

BCRC’s School to Work Program helps the student and family connect to services that may be useful as an adult including the Beaver County Behavioral Health office, formally called the Base Service Unit, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Students can transfer to BCRC’s facility based adult program or can work with our Supported Employment department to help find a job in the community. We will also refer the student to other community services that may be useful.

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8. Can the student attend BCRC as well as Beaver County Area Vocational Technical School ?

Yes. Because we offer flexible schedules to fit the student’s needs, the student can attend BCRC half days opposite their vo-tech schedule. We will work in collaboration with the program’s teacher to help the student address their needs in the work place as well as explore the particular field they are learning about at the vo-tech.

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9. Where does the funding come from for the student to attend the School to Work Program?

The student’s school district pays for the student to attend the program. Upon graduation funding needs to be secured from other agencies in order for there to be continuation of services.

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10. What if I’m not sure if a student is appropriate for the program?

A referral form is completed by the student’s teacher that helps us determine, as a team, if the student would benefit from the program. BCRC also offers Vocational Assessment Services that determine the student’s present levels of academic skills, work skills, and work habits.

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11. Do the students attend BCRC during the summer?

Since the student is funded by the school district, the School to Work Program follows the school’s schedule. However, students may attend BCRC as part of their ESY program or through a program funded by Job Training for Beaver County that addresses summer youth employment. Application needs to be made directly to JTBC and be approved before beginning this program.